Ally McCoist amazed by Jose Mourinho gesture to fans at full-time v Rangers
Jose Mourinho has made his admiration for Rangers very clear in the last few weeks.
The legendary manager admitted that he would love to manage in Scotland at either Rangers or Celtic before the first leg of the Europa League last-16 clash.
He has reaffirmed that respect after something that was spotted as the Gers defeated his side on penalties to secure progression to the quarter-finals.
Mourinho Rangers gesture blows McCoist away
Ibrox was electric after Jack Butland’s heroics saw them knock Mourinho’s team out of the competition after a tense second-leg tie.
In the pandemonium at the full-time whistle, Ally McCoist spotted a gesture from Mourinho towards the Gers supporters.
Speaking on TNT Sports (13 March, 22:53 pm), he said: “I’m just going to say something and what I saw was unbelievable.
Mourinho took his players, quite rightly, over to the corner to thank the travelling Fenerbahce fans.
“On his way over, he was getting a wonderful, wonderful reception from the main stand and the enclosures at Ibrox which he greatly appreciated and gave them a wave as a thank you as well. A lovely gesture.”
Mourinho to Rangers speculation continues
Speculation surrounding the idea of Mourinho running down the Ibrox sidelines will no doubt continue after the gesture that McCoist spotted on Thursday night.
However, it is unrealistic for several reasons. Firstly, the amount of money that it would take – Mourinho would not settle for a smaller pay check, and the Gers would not be able to afford what he would want.
Secondly, he is an abrasive figure and often causes division with owners wherever he goes, often leading to his early sacking.
| Clubs | Duration | Games |
| Fenerbahce | 1 July 2024- present | 44 |
| Roma | 1 July 2021- 16 January 2024 | 138 |
| Tottenham | 20 November 2019- 19 April 2021 | 86 |
It would be a short-term band-aid for the Light Blues and there is no guarantee that it would bring success back to Govan, despite the Portuguese’s reputation.
Barry Ferguson may well be in pole position to be handed the permanent position after replacing Philippe Clement given his exploits in Europe so far.
If he can forge a route to the final, surely there will be no other choice for the 49ers when they complete their takeover.
The Gers legend seems to have finally banished the demons of the Belgian’s era and seems to be getting a tune out of his players, but it may be too late with the league title already in arch-rivals Celtic’s hands.
Mourinho is likely to remain a pipe dream for the Ibrox faithful, despite his show of respect in recent weeks.